Ramsey defends Ferdinand after QPR defeat

Chris Ramsey defended Rio Ferdinand after QPR’s 2-1 defeat against Tottenham at Loftus Road.

The veteran centre-back, 36, was at fault for both goals Rangers conceded in the second half and was taunted by Spurs fans with chants of “It’s time to retire”.

Ramsey said: “I think Rio’s applied himself well. I’m very pleased with the way he played.

“In the position we’re in, when goals go in people will always get blamed or people look at some more than others.

“For Rio to be the age he is and applying himself the way he is in training and in games, we need to encourage him.

Injury-hit Rangers have been struggling under Ramsey
Injury-hit Rangers have been struggling under Ramsey

“It’s always disappointing when a goal goes in, and you can always break it down and analyse it to its finest points. The players involved will always be disappointed.”

The defeat, which came three days after Rangers were beaten at home by Arsenal, was their fourth loss in their five matches under head coach Ramsey and meant they stayed in the relegation zone.

But Ramsey praised his players and insisted they should have been awarded at least one penalty.

“If you’re a football person you can see that the players did apply themselves very well,” he said.

“But when you’re playing any team in the Premier League you need a bit of fortune at times.

“Teams like Arsenal and Tottenham have got that quality where even if they’re not playing well they can force something.”

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